It’s a sad day for Riverdale and 90210 fans, as news broke that Luke Perry passed away at age 52. Perry had suffered a massive stroke last Wednesday in his home in Sherman Oaks, California. TMZ reported that when paramedics arrived at Perry’s home after his stroke, he was responsive and talking, but his condition deteriorated. Unfortunately, he never recovered and passed away on Monday.
Perry first became a household name as an actor in the 90s, when he played Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210. He played McKay from 1990-1995, and then again from 1998-2000. More recently, he was known for playing Archie Andrews’ dad, Fred, on The CW show Riverdale. Riverdale executives told TMZ, “Luke was everything you would hope he would be: an incredibly caring, consummate professional with a giant heart, and a true friend to all. A father figure and mentor to the show’s young cast, Luke was incredibly generous, and he infused the set with love and kindness. Our thoughts are with Luke’s family during this most difficult time.”
At press time, the Riverdale Twitter had yet to release any statement about Perry’s death, as had KJ Apa (who plays Perry’s son on Riverdale), Cole Sprouse, Camila Mendes, and Lili Reinhart. However, the Riverdale writers room Twitter account posted a touching tribute to Perry.
Luke Perry… you were a joyful and vibrant soul. You will be missed but most certainly your legacy will be remembered forever. Rest in love and peace, friend. #Riverdale
— Riverdale Writers Room (@RiverdaleWriter) March 4, 2019
Molly Ringwald, who plays Perry’s estranged wife on the show, tweeted, “My heart is broken. I will miss you so much Luke Perry. Sending all my love to your family. #LukePerry”
My heart is broken. I will miss you so much Luke Perry. Sending all my love to your family. ❤️ #LukePerry
— Molly Ringwald (@MollyRingwald) March 4, 2019
When the initial news of Perry’s stroke broke, Shannon Doherty, one of Perry’s 90210 costars, posted a picture of the two of them on Instagram, writing in the caption, “My friend. Holding you tight and giving you my strength. You got this.”
Just days ago, it was announced that Beverly Hills, 90210 was slated for a six-episode revival, with Jennie Garth, Jason Priestley, Tori Spelling, Ian Ziering, Brian Austin Green, and Gabrielle Carteris confirmed to play their original characters. Shannon Doherty and Luke Perry were not attached to the revival at the time, but it was reported that Fox was keeping the door open for either to appear on the show.
Perry’s rep told TMZ that the actor was surrounded by family and close friends at the time of his death, including his children, fiancée, ex-wife, mother, step-father, brother, and sister.
Images: Shutterstock; theshando / Instagram, riverdalewriter, mollyringwald / Twitter
